How To Harvest Peonies for the Longest Vase Life & How to Dry Store Peonies For Later Use

[@Mary.Mercedes]

Gorgeous! I inherited a 40 foot row of old school, weak stemmed, but STUNNING pink peonies that are over SEVENTY YEARS OLD! They still are covered with lush fragrant blooms every June. Mine are not quite ready to bloom yet in 5B. IMO, Peonies and Delphiniums are the queens of the flower world. THANK YOU for these helpful tips. I had no idea that you could put them in cold storage like that!

[@itsmewende]

Hi......I inherited my mom's place, her/my Peonies are now 37 yrs old and blooming today, zone 7b. Agree, Peonies and Delphiniums are the beauties of the garden. Delphiniums were my mom's favorite flower, Foxglove happen to be mine.

[@Mary.Mercedes]

@@itsmewende Lucky you! Love the foxglove too!

[@coloradotulips]

Hi, I’m in Zone 5b, too. Any tips on where you have it in your landscape? Is it in an area protected from wind?

[@OCGThor]

😊

[@phongphong4640]

Free tulip bulbs for the public to take in NYC, Park Avenue. Tulip Dig is the event. This week only. I took a walk along Park Avenue yesterday. Only very tiny portion was taken so far. They planted 60 thousands bulbs this year. The tulips were very beautiful!

[@DarcyReitenbach-dy3oe]

This was the most helpful video on peonies that I have ever seen.

[@kathypope3010]

Thank you Danielle for another great comprehensive, fact filled video. Yours are the only videos that I go to when I need facts on how to do things.

[@sxd29]

Totally agree!!! Thanks Danielle

[@kat3910]

I had no idea you could harvest peonies for such a long time (in storage)!!!! thank you for sharing these tips and tricks for beautiful peony storage, Also, thank you for clarifying that it takes several years for peonies to bloom. I dug up and transplanted my mother's peonies after she passed and her house was being leveled. It took YEARS for me to get a bloom off of those peonies - it is great to know that that is normal :)

[@civilizeddiva]

It’s always so exciting to walk into my local shop and see peonies available🌸

[@MissDebra]

Your information gave me hope that I can enjoy peony flowers for longer than their short blooming time! I am ordering some for fall planting and look forward to having beautiful blossoms in the future.

[@HookedandRooted]

Thank you Danielle! So timely. My peonies are almost getting ready to open. The ants 🐜 have arrived 💚🌸

[@tracienoda2718]

1st year FF here in 5B. Just wanted to comment how great all of your "harvesting tips" are. Huge thank you!!! Happy spring🌼

[@deannaginder-west4995]

You really are a great teacher! Thank you for another great video!

[@pfv1247]

You are a wonderful teacher! I learned so much from your videos. I will be using this information.

[@xiaoqiaoxie]

Thank you for such detailed information! I followed your instructions and timed different varieties to open at different stages, in order to create a flower arrangement for my husband after a long, tiring work trip. The arrangement is the first thing he saw when he walked into the house. I plan to use your tips to extend the peony season here in zone5b. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@featherednests4374]

Thanks so much for your info. Peonies are my absolute favorite spring flow! You do such an amazing job!

[@violinow1673]

Thanks Danielle. I transferred a few peoni roots to a different open area about 6 months ago. I just took out the huge clumps of roots with a shovel and they were divided roughly (sliced basically) but hopefully they will survive.

[@ginadavis174]

This ia amazing, fabulous information for those of us ordinary gardeners! Thank you so much!

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

Hi Danielle, you have a lot of knowledge of dry flowers , it is very interesting. Bye 👋

[@julycottage]

We’re in the UK and our peonies are in marshmallow stage so I will follow your advice and harvest later!

[@morgaynelove9327]

Greetings from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state! I got a little peony last year so your info was timely! 🌻

[@jisaacson8853]

May I ask where you purchased your peonies roots? I’ve never seen any that look so healthy! My goodness, they are huge! Thanks for this video! It answered soooo many of my questions! Thanks!

[@asatteflowerfarm2934]

Hi! I'm a small-scale flower farmer in Japan and always enjoy your videos. Your gardens and flowers are so beautiful and your talks are informative!

[@sxd29]

Great info - love your videos! Can you please do a video about dividing peonies, daisies, etc? Would love to hear you talk about them. Thanks!!

[@lindamarzullo6769]

Thank you for sharing this great info! You are my go to gal on all flower questions. Your videos are clear and to the point. And you are the sweetest!

[@k_flower1984]

Cách thu hoạch hoa mẫu đơn để có tuổi thọ bình lâu nhất , cảm ơn vì đã chia sẻ thật tuyệt vời

[@debrabateman-dwyer8667]

Thanks Danielle this is a great video and perfect timing!!!!!

[@ruthannrichards8917]

thank you for this information... i tried to keep some last year and they didn't open but now watching your video i will do what you mentioned and hope for good luck...love my peonies so much that i want to enjoy as long as i can plus my daughters favorite so if i can bring her some weeks later even better.

[@fiercegirldesign1]

This was so helpful! I’ve watched it twice already. Thank you!

[@dawndawn6946]

Thanks, Danielle!

[@Ohiogardengoddess]

Another great video Danielle!! You convinced me to get some festiva Maxima peonies last year after seeing your memorial day arrangements. They were so beautiful. Thank you 😊

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Great information. I'll remember the "stale mushroom" tip. I end up planting most of my bulbs and tubers here in SC in the late winter/early spring. If I plant them in the fall, active, curious squirrels disturb them before they can form any kind of roots.

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you Danielle 🌷💚🙃

[@laurasuitter2442]

Here in 7b GA, I plant shallow with the eyes showing above ground. I pull all the mulch back in the Fall so they can get as cold as possible over the winter. This works very well for me.

[@SuperWoodyboy]

My Gawd they are magnificent!!!!

[@beyondrecall273]

Thank you Danielle! These videos are so informative and helpful. I really hope you continue telling us about other flowers as well. Where I live we still have tulips in bloom. Peonies are next to come. I already can see tiny buds.

[@torimarie7659]

Such a useful quick video. You answered questions I didn’t even know I had! Thanks

[@GirlandTheMoment]

Peonies are one of favs! Lovely flowers and tips!!!! Love your channel so much🦋

[@cindyseeley2]

Super informative and helpful . Thank you 😊

[@reneclarkkersanty4256]

Such great information! Thank you 💐🥰💕

[@selenanieto8152]

Great video Danielle!

[@HilaRah]

I gotta uncover my peony shoots; they're too deep. Thanks for the tip.

[@socrazy4disney610]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@luciannedemarco6296]

Awesome information for this novice Gardner! Thank you :)

[@kathleenmcconnell95]

Your explanations are so helpful!

[@susancanning1760]

Very helpful Danielle...thanks👍🏻🌷

[@theroyalfamily17M]

Wow so much beautiful 🥰

[@clairehenning2710]

Thank you for such great information! If I harvest the main center peony bloom with a short stem, will the other smaller buds on that stem mature and bloom later?

[@brendarosenau5880]

Perfect timing for me this morning! I am off to harvest my peonies! You gave such great information, as always. Thank you so much!😊

[@petitepointxing3606]

Hello, love your peonies. What kind are those pinks? I’m in 5b and I grow peonies too, I have huge buds now on my tree peonies, first one to bud is the Dojean, only 2 years old and it has 7 buds! I’m so excited. My first herbaceous to bloom is Sweetie Pie, a dark pink single; then Scarlet O’Hara, a dark pink single, and Red Charm a double red bomb. They are such interesting flowers.

[@sandyl.7608]

This was an extremely helpful video, learned some new tips. Thank you.

[@marthabourassa7909]

Great, great video! I always learn something from you! Thank you so much. ☺️🌸🌿💚

[@cindylouhoo144]

I really appreciate your videos and all the great info you pass along. Thank you 😊

[@ElizabethM824]

So much great information! I learned a lot from this so thanks!

[@ingridkunze5458]

Very helpful information. Thank you.

[@NewMindGarden]

Awesome video.. 🌷🌷👌👌

[@Gracefulwoman]

Thank you for excellent information.

[@nanaof07]

You are awesome! You share such great knowledge!

[@TheKansascinqs]

Thank you so much for your informative video! My daughter's wedding shower is in June and I have a beautiful peony bush that she loves (in white). I will find a way to incorporate these into something special at the shower. Would you suggest putting those in the little individual stem watering things?

[@duif4b]

If you have the space for it (in your daughter's hand to hold the bouquet) I would go for these 'test glasses' and keep the stem in water. At least it won't hurt. I'm not sure where you live and if June will be hot. You can cover up the complete stems with fabric, tulle and a fancy cord or so, to hide the test glasses. Congratulations on the wedding and have fun!

[@lynnlee106]

great video. please do a video on picking iris.

[@iloveyoudoyoumind47]

Can you tell us about if we cut the buds at marshmallow stage will the plant give peonies the following year?

[@petitepointxing3606]

Though I’m not an expert, I have learned that you do not want to harvest any at marshmallow stage until the 3rd year and then only 30% of the blooms can be cut. The plant gets its strength for the next years growth from the stems, so after the 3rd year you can take around 80% of the bush, I one time cut too much off a 4 year plant and the next year was shorter and no buds, but still healthy, it may take a while for some varieties to come back, maybe I cut too long a stems for that variety. Where another more vigorous variety will withstand more cuts.

[@debracasne1845]

Thanks so much for such an informative talk. I always learn so much from your channel! Although my peonies are gorgeous, I hesitate to bring them in. The ants are everywhere. Without resorting to sprays, are there any ways to leave the bugs outside where they belong? Thanks!!!

[@lorrainecourtney4589]

I have seen people just dunk them upside down in cold water to extract ants or bugs, good luck 😁

[@LC.1990]

Great information, thank you!!

[@GardeningOnTaylorMountain]

Such great and helpful information! Dry storage is truly amazing, thanks for teaching us!

[@michelesimpson2237]

Stunning

[@featherednests4374]

I’d love to hear tips on growing foxgloves. I live in zone 5

[@GardenDownSouth]

wow, so beautiful!...binging the videos, thank you!

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Great video thank you. i have a question, how do you support your peony plant in the garden? Mine had so many heavy blooms they were bent over to the ground. TIA.

[@jennyzimmer2224]

This is great! Do you happen to know the variety of peonies you show in this video? Thank you! Love your channel!

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi friend! The one we picked together is Festiva Maxima. The light pink is Dr. Alexander Fleming. The deep pink/red is Felix Supreme. I think I may have some Mother's Choice in the bucket also.

[@laurasuitter2442]

I think I need the Felix Supreme! Lovely!!!

[@janelanglois9509]

I see in peonies Bunch of flowers that there is no apricot once I’ve bought one I just hope it comes out God bless

[@maryfitzpatrick3918]

LOVE YOU!!!!

[@laurieh9388]

Beautiful!

[@janetomesch9325]

Super helpful tips! Thank you! What about the ants? Any tips on how to leave the ants in your garden verses part of your bouquet?

[@tracythomson2112]

So glad I came across this video. I would love you advice! My daughter is getting married in my backyard in two and a half weeks. My peonies are starting to bloom now. I have some fully open flowers but tons of buds at marble and marshmallow stage. They are so beautiful…exactly like the bouquet are holding. I would love a way to use them for the wedding. To be able to fill vases and mason jars would be great. I don’t have a cold space other than a very cool basement. What could I do??

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi Tracy. You can dry store the ones in marshmallow stage in your refrigerator. Pick and store only marshmallow stage. Just take care not to place apples or bananas in the frig at the same time. Those emit ethylene gas which can hurt the buds. Also make sure your frig is not set too cold and do not place them near the very back of the frig. It's colder in the back and they may freeze. Trying for that ideal 34/35 is best. I hope that helps!

[@tracythomson2112]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens ty for responding! I did notice others say they wrap individual with plastic wrap. Seems like is could trap moisture.

[@cherierangel7459]

Thanks so much! Love your videos! What is the vase life once they bloom after 24 hours in the water?

[@Shalline100]

My peony buds are very small. Is there a tip on how to get bigger buds? Thank you!

[@jjbjjbh]

Gorgeous peonies. Are these the Sarah Bernhardt ones? Love their exquisite fragrance.

[@suzannebartow6390]

Lovely....can you do this also with tree or itoh peonies?

[@KRogSlp]

Question: I am cold storing some peonies for a wedding. They have been in the fridge for about two weeks. What should they look like? I had to take a peek at them. I need to store them for a couple more weeks.

[@beckyholmes7712]

Do you wait on two other buds to open even though the first bud is ready on a stem

[@leighscammell4436]

Fab video really helpful

[@chicksdoggbhbebeth]

🌺🌹wooww...beautiful flowers🌺

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

My peonies are blooming this year, after several, several years of no blooms. I was diligent about giving the plant mushroom compost and fertilizer in early spring and when the plants were about 8-10", more fertilizer. Unfortunately, I have only 3-4 blooms. I am fine with keeping the blooms on the plant but wonder if this will negatively affect the plant's performance in the future. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you!!

[@melissamaya4142]

I have 4 peonies planted together this is the 2nd year 2 plants have buds forming 2 plants do not. I think i plant not more than 2 inches below the eyes, can i remove some soil in hope they will bloom? Should i transplant the 2 that are not blooming being extra careful of planted depth?

[@rubynugent2131]

Mine are not blooming in year two. Should we dig them up in case the eyes have been buried too deep or wait until next spring?

[@kathymcbride7074]

Great video! I planted a few peony roots last spring. They did not produce foliage last year, but this spring they have a stem or 2 of foliage. I'm wondering if they are planted too deep, if so can I just lift them so that maybe next year they do better? Or should I wait until fall to do this?

[@kirstywohl8029]

Great video! What can I do about the peony plants I have that aren't blooming? Should I dig them up and make a more shallow spot for the tubers? Or just wait until they bloom one day?

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I don’t think they’ll ever bloom if they’re too deep. I would dig them up and replant them.

[@kevinhilton8683]

Hey its really really hard to make them too shallow..one of my plants had some soil erosion around it and in the middle of the winter I could see part of the tubers exposed directly to the snow..came back totally fine in the spring.

[@rosanapasquini8714]

Great info thank you

[@judyrhine234]

I hope you can help me… I’m a member of the Federated Garden Club in Missouri. We have or meetings at the local library in Mountain View and so we support the library and they help us with different projects. They have a weekly reading program for children every summer. We would like to donate some books on gardening with children for this program. Would you by any chance be able to recommend any books that would be appropriate. Love your videos your gardens are so lovely. I love that you sell flowers but incorporate them into a beautiful home garden not just rows….. thank you

[@heatherw.2751]

Hi Danielle! You mentioned people calling the extension office about peonies. Are you an extension agent for your county? Thanks for the great video! Your garden is looking great!

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi friend. Yes, I'm with Penn State.

[@jengao3960]

What is a strong stemmed peony variety to grow ?

[@MariainBoston]

My peony plant has so many buds in one stem. How do I maximize the blooms? I hesitate to cut the stem because they are at different stages - some are really just new buds.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

Will they store in regu;ar refrigeratior?

[@joshandshelbys]

If you suspect the peony is planted to deep, should it be dug up and replanted?

[@thegablednest1086]

If I transplant peonies, does that timeline for waiting to harvest start all over?

[@aikalawson339]

Can you plant them in pot

[@kathyberal5623]

Am I the only one who didn’t know about dry storage? Many thanks 🙏

[@sherrydykes395]

Can u dig them up and replant them???

[@peterscanlon9727]

Very helpful video, thank you. Have you made a video on how to split peonies, the plant itself? I have two very large yellow, that are encroaching in each other now. Best plant in my yard!

[@lafalto]

Didn’t know you could do this with flowers…dry storage! What other flowers does that work with?

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I heard it works with tulips.

[@tracienoda2718]

tulips

[@sherryo.6600]

Amazing tips! Thanks so much for the inspiration.

[@health.bites.5615]

Awesome video! I'd like to get some more herbaceous peonies in our garden. I only have one of them plus a tree peony. I'm curious how many you have at Northlawn Flower Farm. Do you have a favorite?

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Never enough!! Haha! You can't go wrong with Festiva Maxima! Dr. Alexander Fleming is a close second.

[@health.bites.5615]

Thanks! I'd like to get a couple more but I'm waiting for next year. This year has been a big one--getting many hydrangeas and other perennials to help fill my new gardens. I grew hundreds of annuals this year but I want the backbone of my beds to be with perennials. I just got a new hydrangea yesterday to put in a shadier spot--a small Bobo.

[@Yohina1989]

So helpful! Unfortunately last weekends storms finished all my peonies. One question: how do you get rid of the ants on your buds? Mine are always covered in them

[@heatherw.2751]

It never fails… every year my peonies get full of buds, start to open and boom, it falls a flood and snaps them off! Even with a peony ring they get destroyed. Bums me out every year!

[@Yohina1989]

@@heatherw.2751 I know! So frustrating!!